While the environmental benefits of green buildings are well established, it’s not always clear or actionable
how sustainability relates to occupant
satisfaction. If you want to improve worker productivity and health, infuse your
building with nature-based elements.

Biophilia is a design philosophy that
encourages the connection between
humans and nature. The guide 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design, released by the
sustainability consulting firm Terrapin
Bright Green, highlights approaches that
can reduce occupant stress and increase
creativity. These seven features can be
achieved with cost-effective retrofits:
1) Visual connection with nature – A
view to elements of nature, living systems, and natural processes can be as
simple as a window view or an outdoor
break area.

2) Non-visual connection with nature –

Even non-visual experiences such as
calming nature sounds have been shown
to reduce stress and improve cognitive
performance.

Variations to match the seasons can helpoccupants feel at home and more con-nected to their environment while alsoimproving perception of the workplace. The guide also shows how spatialpatterns and the presence of minimallyprocessed natural building materials canevoke a feeling of being in nature.

“New research supports measurable,
positive impacts of biophilic design on
health, strengthening the empirical evidence for the human-nature connection,
and raising its priority level within both
design research and design practice,”
notes the report.